Your shoulder is one of the most remarkable joints in your body—a highly mobile crane capable of lifting, reaching, and rotating with incredible freedom. However, the performance of this crane depends entirely on the stability of the foundation it rests upon: your upper back, ribs, and neck. When this foundation is solid and balanced, the shoulder can move freely and without strain. But when the foundation is compromised by poor posture, repetitive stress, or injury, the shoulder is often the first area to signal a problem. For many residents in Farmers Branch, shoulder pain is a frustrating issue that limits the ability to work and play. It can manifest as a sharp, pinching sensation when you reach overhead, a dull ache that radiates from the shoulder blade, or a feeling of weakness that makes lifting everyday objects difficult. Often, the root cause is not located in the shoulder joint itself. It can stem from restrictions in the thoracic spine (upper back) or dysfunction in the cervical spine (neck), which alters the normal mechanics of the shoulder blade and rotator cuff. At Our Light Chiropractic, our approach to shoulder pain begins with a comprehensive evaluation of this entire foundational structure. Dr. Brittany Claus acts as a structural engineer for your body, working to identify and address the underlying cause of the instability so that your shoulder can function as it was designed to.
Your Personalized Shoulder Pain Treatment Journey
When you visit Our Light Chiropractic with shoulder pain, our approach is comprehensive. We understand that to truly address the issue, we must look at the complete architectural system of your upper body. We see the shoulder not as an isolated joint, but as a key component that is deeply interconnected with your spine and ribs. Our process for patients in Farmers Branch is designed to be an in-depth analysis of not just the "crane" but its entire foundation, ensuring a more thorough and effective path toward relief and restored function.
- Initial Consultation: The first step is a detailed blueprint review of your health and the history of your shoulder pain. Dr. Brittany Claus will sit down with you to discuss when the pain began, what it feels like, and what specific movements or activities make it worse. We’ll talk about your daily life in Farmers Branch—your work ergonomics, your exercise routine, hobbies, and any previous injuries—to get a full picture of the forces your body endures.
- Thorough Examination: Next, we conduct a thorough structural analysis. This comprehensive examination assesses not only the shoulder joint but also its critical support system. We will evaluate your shoulder’s range of motion, perform specific orthopedic tests to identify which tissues may be involved, and gently palpate the muscles and joints. Crucially, this process includes a detailed assessment of the mobility of your cervical spine (neck) and thoracic spine (upper back) to find any restrictions that could be impacting your shoulder’s function.
- Personalized Care Plan Discussion: After the examination, Dr. Claus will provide an engineering report of her findings. She will clearly explain how the function of your neck and upper back may be contributing to your shoulder pain. Using this information, we will collaboratively design a personalized care plan aimed at restoring proper mechanics to the entire region, with clear goals and a roadmap for your care.
- Treatment Process: The foundation of your treatment will involve gentle and specific chiropractic adjustments to the restricted joints in your neck, upper back, and ribs. By restoring proper motion to this foundational structure, we can help improve the mechanics of your shoulder blade and take pressure off the shoulder joint itself. This is often complemented by targeted soft tissue therapies to release tension in the surrounding muscles and rehabilitative exercises to improve posture and stability.
- Ongoing Support & Monitoring: Your recovery is a dynamic process. We will schedule regular progress inspections to monitor improvements in your pain levels, range of motion, and overall function. As your foundation becomes more stable, your care plan will be adjusted to support your continued progress, helping you build long-term strength and resilience.